This coming Thursday sees the Europa League return with a host of interesting fixtures. Rangers are squaring up back in Glasgow against Portuguese outfit SC Braga. Anticipation is surrounding the buildup to this showdown as fans of both sides back their squads.
Rangers to Host SC Braga in First Europa League Knockout Tie
Much speculation surrounds the starting lineups and the outcome of this last 16 tie of the Europa League: Rangers vs SC Braga.
Group Stages
Rangers were able to hold off European competition in the group stages to pip Young Boys of Switzerland to the second spot to the knockouts by only one point. The latter in their group consisted of Feyenoord and group topping Porto- meaning this won’t be the first time the Glaswegians have had Portuguese opposition this year.
SC Braga topped their group which contained Premier League high flyers Wolverhampton Wanderers, Slovan Bratislava, and Besiktas. The group was a tussle between Wolves, and Braga mainly who were the sides with the most points.
Team News
Rangers
Borna Barisic is facing a race to become fit in time for the Round of 16 openers according to the Sun. He suffered a hip injury after the face-off between Rangers and Hamilton Academical. Having missed two matches since, he looks like a doubt for this match.
Midfielder Ryan Jack will be serving a suspension meaning the Glaswegians will miss him for the first leg against SC Braga. His sending-off occurred in the crucial draw against Young Boys.
SC Braga
Most likely predicted to start is Barcelona’s new signing Francisco Trincao, who was loaned back to Braga. Rangers will no doubt have to fill someone in their currently vacant left-back spot to deal with him.
Winger Rui Fonte was part of the Braga side which beat Benfica recently in the Primeira Liga. His recent performances might mean he will be on the team sheet. His recent comment on Rangers fan’s atmosphere was archived by Scott McDermott of the Daily Record.
Main Photo
